Watch London: The Modern Babylon

London: The Modern Babylon is a documentary film from 2012 that aims to explore the multifaceted history of the city of London. The movie was directed by Julien Temple, and it features a combination of archival footage, interviews, and reenactments that showcase the many transformations that London has undergone throughout the centuries.

The film begins by presenting the city as a place of immense diversity, one that has been shaped by successive waves of immigrants and that is home to a vast array of cultures, subcultures, and countercultures. It goes on to explore various aspects of London's social and cultural history, from the rise of the music scene in the 1950s and '60s to the struggles of various marginalized groups to find a place within the city's social fabric.

The movie features a wide range of talking heads, including historians, musicians, artists, and politicians, as well as ordinary Londoners who share their personal experiences and perspectives on the city. Among the notable interviewees are Michael Gambon, one of London's most celebrated actors, Keith Allen, a well-known comedian and actor, and Steve Jones, the guitarist of the punk band The Sex Pistols.

The film also features a number of compelling reenactments, which help to give an immersive sense of what life in London was like at various points in history. For example, the movie includes scenes depicting the Great Fire of London in 1666, the suffragette movement of the early 20th century, and the Blitz of World War II. These scenes are accompanied by a haunting soundtrack composed of both original music and classic London tunes, such as "Knees Up, Mother Brown" and "Maybe It's Because I'm a Londoner."

One of the central themes of London: The Modern Babylon is the idea of London as a place of constant change and reinvention. The movie highlights how the city has been shaped by various forces, from the rise of capitalism and the Industrial Revolution to the influx of immigrants and the shifting tides of cultural and social movements. The film also acknowledges the many challenges that London has faced over the years, including poverty, discrimination, and violence.

Despite these challenges, the film ultimately paints a portrait of London as a city that is resilient and constantly evolving. By depicting the city as a palimpsest of different eras and cultures, the movie suggests that London's history is both rich and complex, and that it can teach us much about the forces that shape our own lives and communities.

Overall, London: The Modern Babylon is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on the city of London. By combining personal stories, historical insights, and striking visuals, the movie creates a vivid and immersive portrait of one of the world's most fascinating cities. Whether you're a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply someone who loves London, this movie is sure to leave a lasting impression.

London: The Modern Babylon is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 77.